Spending time outdoors is one of the many benefits of running. But there is a downside; namely, too much sun exposure. UV rays - which are present even when it's cloudy outside - can wreak havoc on our eyes and skin. Without proper protection, UV rays can lead to eye diseases such as cataracts and increase the chances of developing eye cancer. In addition, squinting in the blinding glare of cars, asphalt or snow while trying to log miles can be uncomfortable.
For runners who spend several hours a week outdoors, the discomfort and risk from UV rays is even higher. This is where the best running sunglasses come in handy.
The best running sunglasses protect against all three types of UV rays (UVA, UVB and UVC) to ensure healthier eyes on the road. They block glare and, in some cases, improve vision through contrast-enhancing tints.
More importantly, a good pair of running sunglasses is designed for strenuous exercise. They will fit comfortably on your face while you run and sweat, whereas regular sunglasses may wobble or slip off. Sunglasses designed for running also typically offer more shade than fashionable sunglasses with wrap-around coverage.
(In addition to new shades, consider putting on some good sunscreen before your next run.)
What are the best running sunglasses?
Here are a few things to consider before picking out a pair of running sunglasses. First, you need to consider where you typically run (i.e. trails or streets) and the type of weather you encounter.
Design: Most runners prefer a wrap-around design for full coverage. This will block out sunlight and glare at all times of the day, including sunrise and sunset. However, some runners prefer a more street-friendly frame, such as hikers. If you're heading to the grocery store or coffee shop after a run, these less sporty looking glasses will work well.
Lenses: The lenses in the best sunglasses vary by tint and polarization. Certain tint colors lend themselves to different settings, such as rose tones that enhance contrast and darker tones that block out more light. Contrast-enhancing tints, such as rose or orange, are great for technical trail running where you need to spot tree roots, rocks and terrain changes. On the other hand, darker colors are good for urban environments where you encounter glare from windows, asphalt and cars.
Polarized lenses are usually preferred, which only let in light at vertical angles to eliminate glare. However, in low-glare situations, such as trail running, polarization is not entirely necessary.
Style: All sunglasses - even the sporty ones - should look good. Head size is the first thing to consider, as improperly sized sunglasses can make your head look particularly small or too big. In addition, running sunglasses can be either sporty or casual. Both are viable options, especially now that sporty shades are making their way into the fashion world.